Page 15 - Visit Wilmington Visitors Guide 2015/16

TRAIL MIX
Mt. Cuba Center
“Trail-related activities are the number one outdoor recreational activity in Delaware.” —Gov. Jack Markell
And why not, when there are so many places to go? Trails crisscross every corner of northern Delaware and the Brandywine Valley, through state parks and nature preserves, along highways, byways and ways you’d never see from the road. Rather ride on two wheels than walk on two feet? The League of American Bicyclists has named Delaware the 3rd best Bike Friendly state in the country.
Here are three places to start.
HIKERS:
THE BRANDYWINE TRAIL
The full Brandywine Trail starts at the Horseshoe Trail
near Ludwig’s Corner, Pennsylvania, and ends
in the Brandywine Creek State Park near Wilmington, Delaware. Wilmington Trail Club’s annual Brandywine Trail End-To-End Hike is 36 miles long, but the most scenic views can be found on shorter stretches through the Brandywine Creek Valley and the First State National Historical Park.
HIKERS + BIKERS:
THE NORTHERN DELAWARE GREENWAY
The Northern Delaware Greenway travels 19 miles through the quiet, forested beauty of northern Delaware, on a trail that connects Fox Point State Park, Bellevue State Park, Rockwood Museum
& Park, Rock Manor Golf Course, Alapocas Run State Park and the Brandywine Zoo before ending in downtown Wilmington.
HIKERS, BIKERS + MORE:
THE MICHAEL CASTLE TRAIL
Running alongside the waters of
the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, the just completed Michael Castle Trail connects Delaware City and Chesapeake City via
a 16-mile paved path and is a destination for hikers, runners, walkers, cyclists and equestrian enthusiasts.
Parks & Recreation
Want to spend more time outside? Here are four ideas:
1RIDE THE PONIES
Carousel Park & Equestrian
Center offers pony rides on weekend mornings during the summer, as well as hayrides in the autumn months.
2STALK SOMEONE THROUGH A CORN MAZE
A center of autumnal fun for
20 years, Ramsey’s Farm hosts an annual corn maze over 8 acres, along with a pumpkin patch, hayrides and activities for the kids from the end of September through the first week of November.
3TOSS A LINE IN THE WATER
Sailboats, rowboats, canoes, kayaks and pedal boats are all available for rent at Lums Pond State Park. Cast a line into the water for some of the best freshwater fishing in the state, and you might even land a largemouth bass, bluegill or crappie.
4HIT THE LINKS
Deerfield. White Clay
Creek. Back Creek. Three gorgeous, challenging courses are rated highly by locals and travellers alike. (Leave time to grab a drink and a bite — each has an excellent restaurant as well.)
Ramsey's Farm
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THREE GREAT SPOTS FOR BIRDING WHITE CLAY CREEK STATE PARK: Uncommon breeding birds include
American Redstart, Veery, Blue-winged Warbler and Warbling Vireo.
FORT DELAWARE ON PEA PATCH ISLAND:
The island boasts the largest mixed rookery of herons and egrets on the East Coast.
BOMBAY HOOK: More than 278 species of birds have been recorded at the refuge, including wintering flocks of as many as 200,000 Greater Snow Geese.
Bombay Hook
Courtesy Joe del Tufo
Courtesy Leslie Kipp
Courtesy Leslie Kipp